Washable coloring composition suitable for use in dry erase markers

ABSTRACT

A washable dry erase coloring composition comprising an acid dye or polymeric dye colorant, a dye vehicle, a release agent, and an anionic dyeblocker. The dyeblocker additive may be an aromatic organic sulfonate and, preferably, is either a sulfonated naphthalene condensation product or a sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation product. The dry erase coloring composition is suitable for use in marking on a whiteboard and enhances fugitivity from skin and fabrics. The dry erase coloring composition may optionally contain a film forming resin. More specifically, the invention is, in one preferred embodiment, a washable erasable whiteboard marker ink comprising an acid dye or polymeric dye, water, a film forming resin, a release agent and an aromatic organic sulfonate. In addition, the invention also includes a method of transferring an image from a whiteboard or non-porous surface to paper. This method comprises the steps of: (a) drawing an image on a whiteboard or non-porous surface with a washable coloring composition containing a dyeblocker; (b) applying a moistened paper to the image; (c) rubbing the moistened paper to transfer the image from the whiteboard to the paper; and (d) removing the paper.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/800,755 filed on Feb. 14, 1997, and a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/918,732 filed on Aug. 1, 1997,now U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,094.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of washable dryerase coloring compositions for drawing and coloring purposes. In oneparticular aspect, the invention relates to writing instrumentscontaining washable liquid coloring compositions, and more specificallyto the formulations of coloring compositions for use in markers.Further, washable coloring compositions are provided which are suitablefor use on whiteboards.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Whiteboards, also known as dry erase boards, are commonly used inoffices, schools, and other locations where a chalkboard might otherwisebe found. Writings on a dry erase board are erasable by wiping lightlywith felt, dry cloth or paper. Suitable whiteboard surfaces generallyinclude a melamine, vinyl, polyethylene laminate, or enamel resin layeraffixed to a backing. Such whiteboards are characterized in that theyhave hard, white surfaces that are very smooth in appearance, and areessentially nonporous. Alternatively, a whiteboard may comprise a sheetof polymeric film such as an acrylic or UV curable resin.

A variety of compositions are known for use in writing on imperviouswriting surfaces such as whiteboards. These coloring compositionssuitable for use on whiteboards must erase easily without requiring acomprehensive cleaning. Additionally, the whiteboard compositions mustbe removable without leaving visible remains commonly termed "ghosting."

Whiteboard coloring compositions suffer from a variety of well knowndeficiencies. Most whiteboard markers are alcohol or solvent based whichmay be toxic and, thus, are not appropriate for use by young children.For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,954,174, 5,316,574, and 5,324,764 describeerasable ink compositions for writing on an impervious surface thatcontain an organic solvent such as an alcohol. Further, many whiteboardmarkers produce writings which are not readily erasable from whiteboardsafter the passage of a significant period of time. Finally, currentwhiteboard markers have a propensity to leave enduring stains onclothing. While permanence is a desirable characteristic of theso-called "permanent" markers, it is one of the most objectionableproperties for coloring instruments used by young children.

Water-based marker compositions have been used. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,412,021and 5,561,175, for example, describe water-based compositions thatcontain a pigment, a separating agent, and a water-soluble resin. Theseaqueous compositions, however, lack fugitivity from fabrics and oftenfrom skin.

It is therefore one general object of the invention to provide a methodof imparting skin fugitivity to a dry erase coloring composition.

Another object is to provide a dry erase coloring composition which, inaddition to being washable from skin, exhibits enhanced launderabilityfrom fabrics.

A related object is to provide non-toxic, dry erase coloringcompositions, such as inks, which are suitable for use by young childrenwho may make marks on themselves and their clothing.

A further object of the invention is to provide a coloring compositionsuitable for use on whiteboards and other non-porous surfaces which isalso washable from the skin and clothes.

An additional object is to provide a process for transferring an imageproduced by a coloring composition on whiteboards or other non-poroussurfaces to paper.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, as wellas additional inventive features, will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from the following description of the invention and the appendedclaims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The discovery of the present invention is that one may incorporate intoa coloring composition a dyeblocker additive which imparts to thecomposition dramatically improved fugitivity from skin. At the sametime, it has been discovered that, in many instances, the dyeblockeradditive will noticeably enhance fugitivity from fabrics ordinarily usedin children's clothing and from other surfaces.

In one of its most general aspects, the coloring composition of theinvention comprises a colorant selected from the group consisting of anacid dye and a polymeric dye and a dyeblocker. Generally, dyeblockerssuitable for use in the present invention are anionic materials capableof bonding to the dye receptor sites on skin, fabrics, or othersurfaces. More specifically, suitable dyeblockers are aromatic organicsulfonates and are preferably selected from the group consisting of asulfonated naphthalene condensation product and a sulfonatedphenol-formaldehyde condensation product. The coloring compositions ofthe invention are easily washed from the skin, and, in addition, arealso more easily washed from textiles. In another general respect, thepresent invention includes a method of imparting skin washability to adye-containing coloring composition by adding to a coloring compositionan effective amount of an anionic dyeblocker. Preferably, the dyeblockeris selected from the group consisting of a sulfonated naphthalenecondensation product and a sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensationproduct.

Thus, in one form, the invention is a washable coloring compositioncomprising an acid dye or polymeric dye colorant, a dye vehicle, arelease agent, and an aromatic organic sulfonate such as a sulfonatedphenol-formaldehyde condensation product or a sulfonated naphthalenecondensation product. This form of the invention is suitable for use inmarking on a whiteboard. Preferably, the inventive coloring compositionalso contains a film forming resin. More specifically, the invention is,in one preferred embodiment, an erasable whiteboard marker inkcomprising an acid dye or polymeric dye colorant, water, a film formingresin, a release agent, and a sulfonated phenol-formaldehydecondensation product. Further, a marker containing the coloringcomposition of the invention is provided.

In another form, the invention includes a method of transferring animage from a whiteboard or non-porous surface such as a plastic laminateto paper by (a) drawing on the whiteboard or other non-porous surfacewith a washable coloring composition comprising an acid dye or polymericdye colorant, a dye vehicle, a film forming resin, a release agent, anda dyeblocker; (b) applying a moistened paper to the image on thewhiteboard or other non-porous surface; (c) rubbing the moistened paperto transfer the image from the whiteboard or other non-porous surface tothe paper; and (d) removing the paper from the whiteboard or othernon-porous surface. Alternatively, the inventive method includes imagesdrawn using a washable coloring composition comprising an acid dye orpolymeric dye colorant, a dye vehicle, a release agent, and a sulfonatedphenol-formaldehyde condensation product or a sulfonated naphthalenecondensation product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The washable coloring composition of the present invention comprises anacid dye or polymeric dye colorant, a dye vehicle, a release agent, andan anionic dyeblocker. One suitable class of anionic dyeblockers arearomatic organic sulfonate dyeblockers. Preferably, the dyeblocker isselected from the group consisting of a sulfonated phenol-formaldehydecondensation product and a sulfonated naphthalene condensation product.Preferably, the coloring composition also contains a film forming resin.The washable coloring compositions of the present invention exhibitenhanced fugitivity from skin and fabrics. This coloring composition issuitable for use for marking on whiteboards and may be easily erased byordinary means with no apparent ghosting.

The dyeblocker component suitable for use in the invention imparts skinfugitivity and, in some instances, enhanced fabric fugitivity to thecoloring compositions of the invention. Many substances may suitablyperform as a dyeblocker. For example, anionic materials, such as,surfactants or polymers, which contain reactive functional groups, suchas, for example, acid groups, may be used. Although the presentinvention is in no way limited to a mechanism by which dyeblockersoperate, it is believed that the acid groups in these anionic materialsreact with dye-receptor sites present in the skin, fabrics, and othersurfaces to form a barrier to dye receptors. Suitable anionicdyeblockers include any straight chain or aromatic compound containing,for example, highly reactive carboxylic, sulfonic, or nitric groupswhich possibly react with dye-receptor cites such as, for example, aminogroups that are commonly present on skin, some types of fabrics, andother surfaces. Preferably, the anionic dyeblocker is an aromaticorganic sulfonate. One group of preferred aromatic organic sulfonatedyeblockers are sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation products,sulfonated naphthalene condensation products, or mixtures thereof. Thedyeblockers useful in the practice of the present invention do notimpair the stability of the coloring compositions of the invention. Bystability, it is meant that the coloring composition, which includes thecondensation product additive, must not precipitate nor exhibit a markedchange in color or pH when maintained at a temperature of 140° F. fortwo weeks. Preferably, dyeblockers selected for use in the invention, inaddition to imparting fugitivity from skin, also enhance fugitivity fromtextiles and other surfaces. Suitable dyeblockers may often befilm-forming, which may further prevent the migration of dyes toward thereactive sites of a substrate, thereby reducing staining.

Sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation product dyeblockers usefulin the practice of the invention are described in U.S. Pat. No.4,501,591. Suitable sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation productsmay be, but are not limited to, linear, low molecular weightcondensation products; that is products having an average molecularweight of less than about 1000, for example, in the range of 250 to 700.Such products are water-soluble and may be prepared by conventionalart-recognized techniques, for example, by condensation of formaldehydewith one or more phenols in a mole ratio of about 1.0 to 0.8, phenol(s)to formaldehyde, at a pH of less than 7 using an acid catalyst such asHCl, wherein at least one of the phenols is a phenolsulfonic acid oralkali metal salt thereof. Preferably, the phenols comprise, in additionto the sulfonic acid or salt thereof, a sulfone, for example, dihydroxyaromatic diphenol sulfone. Such condensation products contain, inaddition to sulfonic acid groups or alkali metal salts thereof, sulfonegroups.

Other sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation products are describedin U.S. Pat. No. Re. 33,365, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,908,149, 4,592,940 and4,680,212.

One sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation product dyeblockersuitable for use in compositions of the invention is Aerofix N™,commercially available from Aerochem Corporation. Aerofix N™ is suppliedas an aqueous dispersion of the phenol-formaldehyde condensation productcontaining about 17% by weight active condensation product ingredient.Other sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation products suitable foruse in the compositions of the invention are Intratex N™ available fromCrompton and Knowles Corporation (dispersion containing about 18% byweight active condensation product ingredient), and Gascofix NY™available from GCI Technologies, Inc. (dispersion containing about 29%by weight active condensation product ingredient). Compatible mixturesof these sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation products may alsobe used. The sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation product,Aerofix N™, is preferred for use in compositions of the invention.Aerofix N™ dramatically enhanced skin washability and fabriclaunderability in compositions of the invention. Other sulfonatedphenol-formaldehyde condensation products may produce equivalent, oreven better, results and are within the scope of the invention.

A sulfonated naphthalene condensation product dyeblocker suitable foruse in coloring compositions of the invention is Tamol SN™. Tamol SN™ iscommercially available from Rohm and Haas and is supplied in solid formcontaining 100% by weight active ingredient. Other sulfonatednaphthalene condensation products may produce equivalent, or evenbetter, results and are within the scope of the invention. The variousdyeblockers discussed above may be used alone or in combination wherethe dyeblockers are compatible with one another.

Other suitable dyeblockers for the coloring composition of the inventionare anionic surfactants. One such suitable anionic surfactant is Dowfax8390™ which is commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. Dowfax 8390™is an alkylated diphenyloxide disulfonate and, more specifically, it isdisodium hexadecyldiphenyloxide disulfonate (15-35%) and disodiumdihexadecyldiphenyloxide disulfonate (5-10%).

The specific mechanism by which the dyeblocker additive imparts skinfugitivity and enhances fabric fugitivity is not known. However, it isbelieved that the condensation products tie up the reactive sites of thesubstrates to which coloring compositions containing the dyeblocker areapplied. The dye used as a colorant in compositions of the inventionthen has a reduced ability to physically or chemically associate withthe substrate, be it skin or fabric.

The sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation product Aerofix N™ wastested in numerous water-based dye compositions comprising colorants,preservatives, and humectants. Compositions of the invention shouldcontain a sufficient amount of the sulfonated phenol-formaldehydecondensation product to impart skin fugitivity and enhance fabricfugitivity of the composition.

The amount of dyeblocker additive present in the coloring compositionsof the invention depends upon the specific condensation product used. Ata minimum, the condensation product must be present in an amountsufficient to impart enhanced skin and fabric fugitivity. This effect isseen with as little as about 1% by weight of the active condensationproduct ingredient in the total dry erase coloring composition. Evengreater washability is achieved when about 3.5% by weight of the activesulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation product ingredient is usedwhere the dyeblocker additive is Aerofix N™. In general, a greateramount of condensation product additive present in the dry erasecoloring composition leads to better washability from fabric, skin andother surfaces. However, at a certain point, the addition of morecondensation product does not yield any improvement in the washabilityof the dry erase composition. The upper limit of the dyeblocker additiveconcentration may also be imposed by constraints on the viscosity andthe long term stability of compositions of the invention. For example,the dry erase coloring composition cannot have a significantly viscousconsistency or it will not flow through a marker nib when used in theform of a marker ink. Accordingly, the concentration of condensationproduct additive is preferably in an amount of from about 2% to about15% by weight of the active condensation product ingredient in the totalcoloring composition.

In general, where the Aerofix N™ dispersion is used, the beneficialeffect of the additive occurs at a concentration of at least about 10%by weight of the Aerofix N™ dispersion based on the total coloringcomposition. Where Aerofix N™ is the selected dyeblocker, it is presentin an amount of from about 5% to about 60% by weight of the Aerofix N™dispersion based on the total coloring composition of the invention.Preferably, the Aerofix N™ component is present in an amount of fromabout 15% to about 40% by weight of the Aerofix N™ dispersion based onthe total coloring composition. Most preferably, about 15% to about 30%by weight of the Aerofix N™ dispersion based on the total coloringcomposition is used in coloring compositions of the invention.

The coloring compositions of the invention also include one or morecolorants. Suitable colorants are dyes which are preferably selectedwhich otherwise are known to have good launderability from fabrics. Whenused in the composition of the invention, such dyes not only enhancewashability from skin, but also enhance launderability from fabric aswell. While certain coloring compositions containing polymeric dyes havebeen removed from skin and fabric with soap and a significant amount ofrubbing, the erasable whiteboard compositions of the present inventioncan be rinsed off using water alone.

One suitable type of colorant for use in compositions of the presentinvention are acid dyes. By way of illustration, and not in limitation,acid dyes that have been found suitable for use in this invention areAcid Violet 12, Acid Green 3, Acid Blue 9, Acid Yellow 17, Acid Yellow23, Acid Red 52 and Acid Red 388. Yellow F.D.& C. #6 may also be used.

Another category of suitable colorants for use in the present inventionis polymeric dyes. Polymeric dyes are characterized as having polymericchains covalently bonded to a chromophore molecule. By way ofillustration, and not limitation, polymeric dyes suitable for use incompositions of the invention include Palmer Scarlet™, Palmer Blue™,Palmer Magenta™, and Experimental Palmer FL Red A 10™. These polymericdyes are commercially available from Milliken Chemical and may becovered by one or more of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,981,516, 5,043,013, and5,059,244, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference. Other polymeric dyes useful in the practice of the inventioninclude polyalkyleneoxy-substituted chromophore compounds such as, forexample, alkyleneoxy-substituted methine colorants. While certaincoloring compositions containing polymeric dyes have been removed fromskin by rubbing with soap and water, the coloring compositions of thepresent invention can be rinsed off using water alone. Also, thecoloring compositions of the present invention can be easily washed offor more completely removed from many previously staining surfaces suchas wallpaper, painted walls, wood, etc.

Another type of colorant suitable for use in the washable coloringcompositions of the present invention is pigments. Examples of suitablepigments include inorganic pigments such as titanium dioxide or ferricoxide, or organic pigments such as carbon black, phthalocyanines (e.g.,copper phthalocyanine blue), azo pigments, quinacridones,anthraquinones, dioxazines, indios, thioindios, perynones, perylenes,indolenones and azo-azomethines. Encapsulated pigments may also beutilized. To achieve good coloring and promote compatibility with theremaining ink components, the pigment may be utilized in the form of anaqueous dispersion, inasmuch as pigments are by definition insolublematerials. Pigment dispersions are commercially available which arecombinations of a pigment, an aqueous based character, and a surfactantor dispersant system. A pigment dispersion may also be preparedspecifically for use in the coloring compositions of the invention. Fromthe standpoint of convenience, a commercial pigment dispersion ispreferred for use in the present invention. Typical commercialdispersions contain 30 to 74% by weight active pigment ingredients.Examples of suitable pigment dispersions include Hostafine Rubine F6B(C.I. Pigment Red 184 dispersion), Blue B2G (Pigment Blue 15-3) andBlack 7 (Pigment Black T), marketed by Hoechst Celanese Corporationunder the tradename "Hostafines Dispersions."

The coloring compositions of the invention may contain polymeric dyes,acid dyes, pigments, or mixtures thereof. Additionally, the compositionsmay contain two or more polymeric dyes, two or more acid dyes, or two ormore pigments to achieve the desired color. The colorant is preferablypresent in an amount of from about 2% to about 20% by weight of thetotal coloring composition of the invention. The minimum concentrationof colorant which will produce a workable coloring composition isgoverned by the color intensity desired, though as little as 0.5%colorant may be sufficient for certain applications. The maximumworkable concentration of colorant is determined largely by the abilityto maintain a stable composition, and can vary widely depending upon theconcentration of other components. The maximum amount of colorant isalso a function of the characteristics of the desired end product,though a practical upper limit in the formulation of the composition ofthe invention as, for example, an erasable whiteboard marker ink, isabout 30% by weight of the total coloring composition of the invention.Higher concentrations may cause board staining (i.e., ghosting), defeatwashability and yield an undesirably high viscosity. For whiteboardapplications, too much dye raises the viscosity and makes it difficultto add a sufficient amount of film forming resin and/or dyeblockernecessary to yield the desired washability. Preferably, the dry erasecoloring composition should have a viscosity less than 6 cps when usedas a marker ink.

When a commercial pigment dispersion is utilized, a practical limit isimposed on the concentration of pigment in the dispersion. The preferredconcentration range for most applications is from about 1% to about 10%active pigment by weight of the coloring composition. A concentration ofabout 3% active pigment by weight is ordinarily required to ensure goodcoloration in a typical marker ink and most preferred is a concentrationof active pigment in a range of about 1.5% to about 5% by weight of thecoloring composition.

The coloring composition of the present invention also includes anamount of an aqueous or other dye vehicle effective to form a solutionof the remaining components. The preferred dye vehicle is water. Themaximum amount of dye vehicle is the amount which results in a stablecomposition and which is capable of forming a mark having the minimumacceptable visibility on a substrate. The minimum amount of water isthat necessary to form a stable solution of the components of thecoloring composition and provide a composition which can be freelydispensed from the selected dispensing element, where the composition isto be used as a marker ink. Other suitable dye vehicles include alcoholor other water-miscible solvents, such as, for example, a 30% denaturedalcohol solution. Compatible mixtures of water and alcohol or otherwater-miscible solvents may also be used as a dye vehicle. Suitablewater/solvent dye vehicles may contain from 0% to 100% alcohol or otherwater-miscible solvents. Preferably, the dye vehicle may comprise from0% to about 50% alcohol or other water-miscible solvents. The proportionof dye vehicle contemplated herein is from about 30% to about 90% byweight of the total coloring composition of the invention. Some or allof the water may be contributed by water found as a portion of one ormore of the other components.

The coloring compositions of the invention may also contain a releaseagent. Where the coloring compositions of the invention are to be usedto create marks on a whiteboard, the release agent itself forms aseparating film between the surface of the whiteboard and the filmforming resin. The film forming resin does not form on the surface ofthe board, but instead on top of the release agent. As a result, thefilm forming resin, containing the colorant, may be erased with a drycloth or eraser. Typical release agents include, but are not limited to,siloxanes, such as polydimethylsiloxanes; polyethylene glycols;monobasic higher fatty carboxylic acid esters; mono- or diesters ofdihydric alcohols, wherein the ester has a molecular weight of 100 ormore; fatty acid triglycerides; higher hydrocarbons such as paraffin andsqualene; polyesters and polyethers having molecular weights of 400 ormore; and esters of a polycarboxylic acid with an alcohol.

The preferred release agents are polyalkylene oxide-modifiedpolydimethylsiloxanes sold under the trade name Silwet L-7230™ andSilwet L-7607™ by OSi Specialties, Inc. Other useful release agentsinclude, but are not limited to, Silwet L-7608™ marketed by OSiSpecialties, Inc., DCQ43667™ and FF400™ marketed by Dow Coming,Carbowax™ Polyethylene Glycol 1450 marketed by Union Carbide, andLipopeg 4L™ marketed by Lipo Chemicals Inc. Mixtures of these releaseagents may also be utilized in the dry erase coloring compositions ofthe present invention. The release agent contained in the erasablewhiteboard marker ink composition is present in an amount of from about1% to about 30% by weight of the total coloring composition and,preferably, in an amount of from about 5% to about 15% by weight of thetotal coloring composition. At a minimum, the release agent must bepresent in compositions of the invention to be used on whiteboards in anadequate amount to produce compositions that can are easily erasablefrom the whiteboard. However, when excessive amounts of release agentare used, the composition has an excessively high viscosity, which mayrender the composition unsuitable for use in conventional markers.

The coloring compositions of the invention may optionally contain aresin which is water soluble and film forming at room temperature. Whenmarks are formed using the composition of the invention including thisfilm forming resin, and dried on an impervious writing surface, themarks have a continuous resin layer. The water soluble film formingresin also provides the coloring composition with a viscosity suitablefor writing when the composition is used in the form of a whiteboardmarker ink and helps to prevent staining of the whiteboard. It is alsobelieved that the dyeblocker condensation product additives of thepresent invention may also serve as a film-former upon which the dye isdeposited.

The preferred film forming resin for use in the present invention ispolyvinylpyrrolidone sold under the trade name PVP K-15™ by GAFChemicals Corporation. PVP K-15™ is typically supplied in 30% solutionof polyvinylpyrrolidone (i.e., 70% water). Different molecular weightpolyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, such as PVP K-30™, and modifiedpolyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, such as polyvinyl acetate-modifiedpolyvinylpyrrolidone, may also be used. Additional useful film formingresins include, for example, but are not limited to, natural resins,such as gum arabic, rosin, or shellac; modified rosins such as rosinesters, hydrogenated rosins, rosin-modified maleic acid resins orrosin-modified phenol resins; various phenol-resins; cellulosic resinssuch as ethyl cellulose resins or acetyl cellulose resins; ketoneresins, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate resins, petroleum resins,polyvinyl butyral resins, vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymerresins or polyacrylic acid ester resins. Mixtures of two or more ofthese film forming resins may also be employed in the present invention.

The film forming resin should be used in an effective amount.Preferably, the film forming resin is contained in the coloringcomposition suitable for use on whiteboards is present in an amount offrom about 0% to about 10% by weight of the active film forming resinadded of the total coloring composition and, preferably, in an amount offrom about 1% to about 5% by weight of the active film forming resinbased on the total composition of the coloring composition of theinvention. Where the film forming resin used is the polyvinylpyrrolidonesupplied in solution as PVP K-15™, from about 0% to about 30% by weightof the PVP K-15™ solution based on the total weight of the coloringcomposition may be used and, preferably, from about 5% to about 15% byweight of the PVP K-15™ solution is used based on the total weight ofthe coloring composition. The actual amount of film forming resin addedto the coloring compositions of the invention depends upon theparticular colorant used. When the amount of film forming resin is toolarge, the resultant dry erase coloring composition has an excessivelyhigh viscosity so that it writes poorly and, moreover, the writingsformed therewith are not readily erased from a whiteboard.

Other film forming components may also be added to the dry erasecoloring compositions of the present invention to provide enhancedwashability. Suitable film forming components may include starches. Awide range of starches are suitable including, for example, warm watersoluble starch and cold water soluble starch. Preferably, the starch maybe added in an amount of from about 2% to about 30% by weight of thecoloring composition to beneficially enhance washability. Thecombination of a dyeblocker and starch in the present invention enhanceswashability on skin, walls, wallpaper, wood and other surfaces.

One suitable starch for use in compositions of the present invention isDri-sweet 42 manufactured by Hubinger Co. Dri-sweet 42 is a cold watersoluble starch. Another suitable cold water soluble starch is ICB 3000manufactured by Staley.

The dry erase coloring compositions of the invention are especiallysuitable for use as an erasable whiteboard marker ink in which the dyevehicle is water. The erasable whiteboard marker ink may be supplied ina delivery system, such as a marking instrument, to enable children tocolor or draw on impervious surfaces such as whiteboards. Suitable nibsfor use in such a system are bonded fiber or sintered plastic nibs. Amarking pen containing the dry erase coloring composition of theinvention in the form of an ink may generally take the form of anyconventional marker. Preferably, the marker uses a bonded fiber orsintered plastic nib. The marker reservoir containing the ink can be anystandard marker delivery system including, but not limited to, acetate,polyester, or polypropylene fiber systems. In addition, a fiberlesssystem may be used.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the coloring composition ofthe invention is in the form of an erasable whiteboard marker ink. Theink contains a colorant, water, a release agent, a film forming resin,and an anionic dyeblocker. Preferably, the dyeblocker additive is anaromatic organic sulfonate and, more preferably, it is selected from thegroup consisting of sulfonated naphthalene condensation products, asulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation products, and mixturesthereof. This inventive whiteboard marker ink exhibits favorable dryerase characteristics from skin, fabric and other household surfaces.

Compositions of the present invention may, when in the form of anerasable marker ink, also advantageously include a humectant, asurfactant, a preservative, a defoamer, and/or a pH regulant. Thesematerials and their functions are well known, and their mention here isby way of illustration only. Generally, any effective amount of theadditive may be used so long as the stability of the coloringcomposition is not adversely affected and the composition is suitablefor use in the desired end product.

For example, it may be possible to include a humectant in an erasablewhiteboard marker ink to retard the evaporation of water from the inksolution. This avoids unduly rapid drying of the ink in the marker nibwhich can cause clogging of the nib and impair the function of themarker. Further, a humectant may improve freeze/thaw stability of theinventive ink compositions. Typical humectants include polyhydricalcohols such as glycerine, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, anddiethylene glycol, hydroxylated starches, low molecular weight(m.w.=200-400) poly(ethylene glycols), and mixtures of these materials.Any effective amount of humectant may be used although a generallyuseful concentration range for these humectants is from about 5% up toabout 30% by weight of the total coloring composition.

Surfactants in any effective amount (generally up to about 0.1% byweight) may also be included in the preferred erasable whiteboard markerink compositions of the invention for the purpose of adjusting suchproperties as viscosity (for proper dispensing of ink through the nib),and surface tension (for good flow properties and nonporous surfacewetting). Anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, such aspoly(ethylene glycol)ether, alkylaryl polyether alcohol, fluorinatedalkyl esters, and mixtures of such materials are preferred for use inthe compositions of the invention when in the form of erasablewhiteboard marker inks.

Preservatives of conventional types are also advantageously employed inthe compositions of the invention to extend the shelf life of thecomposition. The preservative preferably serves as both a bactericideand a fungicide. Some typical preservatives useful in the presentinvention include methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, glutaraldehyde,hydroxybenzoic acid esters, 3-iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate, bicyclicoxazolidones, and a biocide comprising as the active ingredients5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and,2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one.

Preservatives are usually effective when present in any effective amountbut generally are present in amounts of from about 0.1% up to about 1%by weight. Preferred preservatives include Kathon PFM™(isothiazolinones) manufactured by Rohm and Haas, and Nuosept 95™(bicyclic oxazolidines solutions) manufactured by Huls America.

The pH of the coloring compositions of the present invention ispreferably in the range of about 3.0 to about 10.0, more preferablyabout 4.0 to about 9.0. To maintain this pH, a pH regulant may beemployed. Preferably, neutralized versene is used as a pH regulant. Inaddition to controlling pH, neutralized versene may also help ease theerasability of some dyes from whiteboards when compositions of theinvention are used as whiteboard marker inks. The pH regulant may beadded in an amount ranging from about 0% to about 20% by weight. In onepreferred composition, the pH regulant, neutralized versene, is added inan amount of about 10% by weight of the total erasable whiteboard markerink composition.

The coloring compositions of the present invention may also contain adefoamer to prevent foaming during mixture of the various components.Suitable defoamers include silicones and siloxanes. The preferreddefoamer is Tego Foamax 800™ marketed by Goldschmidt Chemical Corp.Other suitable defoamers include Zerofome AF-200™ marketed by NuTechCorp., Surfynol DF58™ marketed by Air Products, and Foamaster H™marketed by Henkel. The addition of defoamer to the coloringcompositions of the present invention does not adversely affect eitherthe removability from whiteboards or washability when the compositionsare used as whiteboard marker inks. The amount of defoamer depends uponthe amounts of other components present in the coloring composition,although typically about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the total dryerase coloring composition is used.

The coloring compositions of the present invention can be prepared inany suitable manner. For example, polymeric dye, dye vehicle, releaseagent, film forming resin, and anionic dyeblocker along with otheroptional components (e.g., preservatives and humectants) can be added toa suitable vessel and mixed until a suitable solution is obtained.

EXAMPLES

Examples of coloring compositions of the present invention are asfollows. These examples further illustrate the present invention but, ofcourse, should not be construed as in any way limiting its scope.Quantities are in percent by weight of the total composition. Theseexample compositions are suitable for use in marking on whiteboards.

Different coloring compositions were prepared using acid and polymericdyes and a dyeblocker condensation product additive. These compositionswere formulated in the form of marker inks. These compositionscontaining a film forming resin, a release agent, and dyeblockercondensation product additive are set forth below in Examples 1-8. Inexamples 1-2 and 4-8, the dyeblocker additive is the sulfonatedphenol-formaldehyde condensation product, Aerofix N™. In example 3, thedyeblocker additive is the sulfonated naphthalene condensation product,Tamol SN™.

Example 1

Red

    ______________________________________                                        Component               wt. %                                                 ______________________________________                                        Deionized water         52.54                                                 (dye vehicle)                                                                 Palmer Scarlet          9.99                                                  (polymeric dye)                                                               Palmer FL Red A10       2.00                                                  (polymeric dye)                                                               Aerofix N               19.97                                                 (phenol-formaldehyde condensation product)                                    PVP K-30 (30% solution) 5.14                                                  (film forming resin)                                                          Silwet L-7607           9.99                                                  (release agent)                                                               Nuosept 95              0.30                                                  (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM              0.08                                                  (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

Example 2

Blue

    ______________________________________                                        Component               wt. %                                                 ______________________________________                                        Deionized water         44.62                                                 (dye vehicle)                                                                 Palmer Blue             5.00                                                  (polymeric dye)                                                               Aerofix N               20.00                                                 (phenol-formaldehyde condensation product)                                    PVP K-15 (30% solution) 10.00                                                 (film forming resin)                                                          Silwet L-7607           10.00                                                 (release agent)                                                               Neutralized versene     10.00                                                 (pH regulant)                                                                 Nuosept 95              0.30                                                  (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM              0.08                                                  (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

Example 3

Yellow

    ______________________________________                                        Component             wt. %                                                   ______________________________________                                        Deionized water       72.62                                                   (dye vehicle)                                                                 Acid Yellow 23        2.00                                                    (acid dye)                                                                    Tamol SN              5.00                                                    (naphthalene condensation product)                                            PVP K-15 (30% solution)                                                                             10.00                                                   (film forming resin)                                                          Silwet L-7607         10.00                                                   (release agent)                                                               Nuosept 95            0.30                                                    (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM            0.08                                                    (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

Example 4

Green

    ______________________________________                                        Component               wt. %                                                 ______________________________________                                        Deionized water         55.62                                                 (dye vehicle)                                                                 Palmer Blue             3.20                                                  (polymeric dye)                                                               Acid Yellow 23          0.80                                                  (acid dye)                                                                    Aerofix N               20.00                                                 (phenol-formaldehyde condensation product)                                    PVP K-15 (30% solution) 10.00                                                 (film forming resin)                                                          Silwet L-7607           10.00                                                 (release agent)                                                               Nuosept 95              0.30                                                  (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM              0.08                                                  (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

Example 5

Black

    ______________________________________                                        Component               wt. %                                                 ______________________________________                                        Deionized water         39.82                                                 (dye vehicle)                                                                 Palmer Blue             4.40                                                  (polymeric dye)                                                               Palmer Magenta          4.40                                                  (polymeric dye)                                                               FD&C Yellow #6          1.00                                                  (acid dye)                                                                    Aerofix N               20.00                                                 (phenol-formaldehyde condensation product)                                    PVP K-15 (30% solution) 10.00                                                 (film forming resin)                                                          Silwet L-7607           10.00                                                 (release agent)                                                               Neutralized versene     10.00                                                 (pH regulant)                                                                 Nuosept 95              0.30                                                  (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM              0.08                                                  (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

Example 6

Orange

    ______________________________________                                        Component               wt. %                                                 ______________________________________                                        Deionized water         56.62                                                 (dye vehicle)                                                                 FD&C Yellow #6          3.00                                                  (acid dye)                                                                    Aerofix N               20.00                                                 (phenol-formaldehyde condensation product)                                    PVP K-15 (30% solution) 10.00                                                 (film forming resin)                                                          Silwet L-7607           10.00                                                 (release agent)                                                               Nuosept 95              0.30                                                  (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM              0.08                                                  (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

Example 7

Violet

    ______________________________________                                        Component               wt. %                                                 ______________________________________                                        Deionized water         46.42                                                 (dye vehicle)                                                                 Palmer Magenta          3.20                                                  (polymeric dye)                                                               Aerofix N               20.00                                                 (phenol-formaldehyde condensation product)                                    PVP K-15 (30% solution) 10.00                                                 (film forming resin)                                                          Silwet L-7607           10.00                                                 (release agent)                                                               Neutralized versene     10.00                                                 (pH regulant)                                                                 Nuosept 95              0.30                                                  (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM              0.08                                                  (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

Example 8

Brown

    ______________________________________                                        Component               wt. %                                                 ______________________________________                                        Deionized water         42.06                                                 (dye vehicle)                                                                 Palmer Blue             0.88                                                  (polymeric dye)                                                               FD&C Yellow #6          1.00                                                  (acid dye)                                                                    Palmer Scarlet          5.68                                                  (polymeric dye)                                                               Aerofix N               20.00                                                 (phenol-formaldehyde condensation product)                                    PVP K-15 (30% solution) 10.00                                                 (film forming resin)                                                          Silwet L-7607           10.00                                                 (release agent)                                                               Neutralized versene     10.00                                                 (pH regulant)                                                                 Nuosept 95              0.30                                                  (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM              0.08                                                  (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

TEST PROCEDURES

A. Skin Fugitivity

The fugitivity from skin of the compositions of the invention cited inthe above examples was measured by the following test:

1. Wash hands with soap and warm water. The pre-stain cleansing removesexcess oil and dirt from the skin and provides a more consistent skinsurface for testing. Allow the skin to dry for 30 seconds.

2. With the compositions of the invention used in a marker having asintered plastic nib, draw a stripe on the palm of the hand with theflat side of the nib. In the usual case, a 1/4 inch wide by 1 inch longstripe works well. Apply enough pressure and/or multiple passes todevelop a stripe with good color intensity. If it is desired to make acomparison among two or more compositions, more than one stripe may bedrawn. Let stripes dry for fifteen minutes.

3. In the case of a marker, place hand under tap and briefly rinse offexcess ink with warm water.

4. Wash hands with Ivory brand bar soap in the following manner: latherusing a minimum amount of soap; replace soap in soap dish; rub handstogether briskly with modest pressure for 30 seconds; rinse away soap.

5. Wipe hands dry with paper towels, and complete the drying with arelatively dry towel. A dry towel will help to rub off residual tracesof ink.

B. Fabric Fugitivity

The fugitivity from fabric of the compositions of the invention wasmeasured by the following test.

1. Pre-wash test fabrics with bleach, non-staining water softener andordinary household phosphate detergent powder using 120° F. hot water asdirected in ASTM D4265-83, and dry.

2. Cut test swatches of pre-washed fabrics to be tested.

3. Deposit marker inks onto fabric swatches and allow to dry for 4hours.

4. Staple a group of stained swatches to the edges of a bath towel.

5. Add a dummy load of unstained fabrics to provide a four pound washload. Wash the load in a washing machine for 12 minutes with a warm(about 80° F. to about 90° F.)/cold cycle or a cold (about 35° F. toabout 55° F.)/cold cycle.

6. Dry the load in a dryer.

7. Detach the test swatches from the carrier towel, iron, and observedegree of staining.

EVALUATION OF TEST DATA

Skin and fabric fugitivity data are based on a visual rating system asfollows:

0=no stain

0.5=very light stain

1=light stain

2=light to moderate stain

3=moderate to heavy stain

4=heavy stain

An asterisk (*) following the numerical rating denotes that particulardegree of staining after only a water rinse instead of after rubbingwith soap and water.

The viscosity, pH and skin fugitivity of the coloring compositions inExamples 1-8 is set forth in Table I. Skin fugitivity was measured on 14individuals. As washability results will vary by individual, the rangeof observed skin fugitivity for each of the coloring compositionsexamples is provided.

                  TABLE I                                                         ______________________________________                                        Skin Fugitivity                                                               Example   viscosity                                                           Number    (cps)    pH        Skin Fugitivity                                  ______________________________________                                        1         5.33     8.20      0, 0*, 0.5*                                      2         4.17     7.95      0, 0*, 0.5, 0.5*, 1                              3         3.17     7.50      0, 0.5, 0.5*                                     4         3.76     8.05      0, 0*                                            5         5.56     8.00      0, 0*                                            6         4.05     8.40      0, 0*, 0.5, 0.5*                                 7         4.57     8.19      0, 0*, 0.5*                                      8         5.25     8.15      0, 0*                                            ______________________________________                                    

The fabric fugitivity data of the coloring compositions in Examples 1-8is set forth in Table II. The washability of these inks was tested on50% cotton/50% polyester blends and 100% cotton. Additionally,washability was examined using a washing machine with both a cold/coldcycle and a warm/cold cycle. The cold/cold cycle was repeated on thefabric samples. As demonstrated, no stains were observed on either the50% cotton/50% polyester blend or the 100% cotton samples after a secondcold wash. For comparison, the fugitivity from fabric of a controlcoloring composition was analyzed. The control is a typicalalcohol-based whiteboard ink composition.

                  TABLE II                                                        ______________________________________                                        Fabric Fugitivity                                                                       Ex           Ex       Ex       Ex                                             1     Ex 2   3   Ex 4 5   Ex 6 7   Ex 8 Cntrl                       ______________________________________                                        50%/50% Blend                                                                           1.5   0      1   1    1   0.5  0.5 0.5  4                           (1st cold cycle)                                                              50%/50% Blend                                                                           0     0      0   0    0   0    0   0    3.5                         (2nd cold cycle)                                                              100% Cotton                                                                             2     0      1   1    1.5 0.5  1.5 1    4                           (1st cold cycle)                                                              100% Cotton                                                                             0.5   0      0   0    0   0    0   0    3.5                         (2nd cold cycle)                                                              50%/50% Blend                                                                           0     0      0   0    0   0    0   0    4                           (warm cycle)                                                                  100% Cotton                                                                             0     0      0   0    0   0    0   0    4                           (warm cycle)                                                                  ______________________________________                                    

From the foregoing Examples 1-8, it can be seen that the dry erasecoloring compositions of the present invention containing a dyeblockerexhibit enhanced fugitivity from skin and fabric.

Coloring compositions of the invention containing a dyeblockercondensation product additive other than Aerofix N are set forth belowin Examples 9-12. Examples 13-16 and 18 below illustrate coloringcompositions of the invention that do not contain a film forming resin.Each of these examples is in the form of a marker ink. Example 17 isillustrative of a dry erase coloring composition using a dye vehiclecomprising a mixture of water and alcohol. Example 18 is illustrative ofa marker ink containing a starch.

Example 9

    ______________________________________                                        Component               wt. %                                                 ______________________________________                                        Deionized water         64.62                                                 (dye vehicle)                                                                 Palmer Blue             5.00                                                  (polymeric dye)                                                               Intratex N              5.00                                                  (phenol-formaldehyde condensation product)                                    PVP K-15 (30% solution) 15.00                                                 (film forming resin)                                                          Silwet L-7607           10.00                                                 (release agent)                                                               Nuosept 95              0.30                                                  (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM              0.08                                                  (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

Example 10

    ______________________________________                                        Component               wt. %                                                 ______________________________________                                        Deionized water         68.87                                                 (dye vehicle)                                                                 Acid Blue 9             1.25                                                  (acid dye)                                                                    Gascofix NY             12.00                                                 (phenol-formaldehyde condensation product)                                    PVP K-15 (30% solution) 10.00                                                 (film forming resin)                                                          Silwet L-7608           7.50                                                  (release agent)                                                               Nuosept 95              0.30                                                  (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM              0.08                                                  (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

Example 11

    ______________________________________                                        Component             wt. %                                                   ______________________________________                                        Deionized water       81.37                                                   (dye vehicle)                                                                 Acid Yellow 23        2.00                                                    (acid dye)                                                                    Tamol SN              5.00                                                    (naphthalene condensation product)                                            PVP-VA                3.00                                                    (film forming resin)                                                          Silwet L-7607         8.00                                                    (release agent)                                                               Dow Corning FC 120    0.25                                                    (surfactant)                                                                  Nuosept 95            0.30                                                    (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM            0.08                                                    (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

Example 12

    ______________________________________                                        Component             wt. %                                                   ______________________________________                                        Deionized water       63.82                                                   (dye vehicle)                                                                 Palmer Blue           4.40                                                    (polymeric dye)                                                               Palmer Magenta        4.40                                                    (polymeric dye)                                                               FD&C Yellow #6        1.00                                                    (acid dye)                                                                    Tamol SN              5.00                                                    (naphthalene condensation product)                                            PVP K-30 (30% solution)                                                                             4.00                                                    (film forming resin)                                                          Neutralized versene   5.00                                                    (pH regulant)                                                                 Lipopeg 4L            12.00                                                   (release agent)                                                               Nuosept 95            0.30                                                    (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM            0.08                                                    (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

Example 13

    ______________________________________                                        Component               wt. %                                                 ______________________________________                                        Deionized water         38.72                                                 (dye vehicle)                                                                 Palmer Blue             0.90                                                  (polymeric dye)                                                               Palmer Scarlet          5.70                                                  (polymeric dye)                                                               FD&C Yellow #6          1.00                                                  (acid dye)                                                                    Aerofix N               25.00                                                 (phenol-formaldehyde condensation product)                                    Dow Corning FF400       8.00                                                  (release agent)                                                               Neutralized versene     10.00                                                 (pH regulant)                                                                 Glycerine               10.00                                                 (humectant)                                                                   Nuosept 95              0.30                                                  (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM              0.08                                                  (preservative)                                                                Tego Foamex 800         0.30                                                  (defoamer)                                                                    ______________________________________                                    

Example 14

    ______________________________________                                        Component               wt. %                                                 ______________________________________                                        Deionized water         54.82                                                 (dye vehicle)                                                                 Palmer Blue             4.40                                                  (polymeric dye)                                                               FD&C Yellow #6          1.00                                                  (acid dye)                                                                    Palmer Magenta          4.40                                                  (polymeric dye)                                                               Aerofix N               20.00                                                 (phenol-formaldehyde condensation product)                                    Dow Corning Q43667      5.00                                                  (release agent)                                                               Neutralized versene     10.00                                                 (pH regulant)                                                                 Nuosept 95              0.30                                                  (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM              0.08                                                  (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

Example 15

    ______________________________________                                        Component               wt. %                                                 ______________________________________                                        Deionized water         64.62                                                 (dye vehicle)                                                                 Palmer Blue             5.00                                                  (polymeric dye)                                                               Aerofix N               10.00                                                 (phenol-formaldehyde condensation product)                                    Silwet L-7607           4.00                                                  (release agent)                                                               Silwet L-7608           6.00                                                  (release agent)                                                               Neutralized versene     10.00                                                 (pH regulant)                                                                 Nuosept 95              0.30                                                  (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM              0.08                                                  (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

Example 16

    ______________________________________                                        Component               wt. %                                                 ______________________________________                                        Deionized water         69.62                                                 (dye vehicle)                                                                 FD&C Yellow #6          3.00                                                  (acid dye)                                                                    Aerofix N               20.00                                                 (phenol-formaldehyde condensation product)                                    Silwet L-7230           5.00                                                  (release agent)                                                               PEG 400                 2.00                                                  (humectant)                                                                   Nuosept 95              0.30                                                  (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM              0.08                                                  (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

Example 17

    ______________________________________                                        Component               wt. %                                                 ______________________________________                                        Deionized water         35.62                                                 (dye vehicle)                                                                 Denatured ethanol       30.00                                                 (dye vehicle)                                                                 Palmer Blue             5.00                                                  (polymeric dye)                                                               Aerofix N               16.00                                                 (phenol-formaldehyde condensation product)                                    PVP K-15 (30% solution) 8.00                                                  (film forming resin)                                                          Silwet L-7607           5.00                                                  (release agent)                                                               Neutralized versene     10.00                                                 (pH regulant)                                                                 Nuosept 95              0.30                                                  (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM              0.08                                                  (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

Example 18

    ______________________________________                                        Component         wt. %                                                       ______________________________________                                        Deionized water   61.62                                                       (dye vehicle)                                                                 Palmer Blue       5.00                                                        (polymeric dye)                                                               Dowfax 8390       3.00                                                        (dyeblocker additive)                                                         Dri-sweet 42      15.00                                                       (starch)                                                                      Silwet L-7607     15.00                                                       (release agent)                                                               Nuosept 95        0.30                                                        (preservative)                                                                Kathon PFM        0.08                                                        (preservative)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

In another aspect of the present invention, the image produced on awhiteboard or other non-porous surface such as plastic laminate usingthe inventive coloring compositions can be transferred to paper.Surprisingly, it has been found that images formed using the inventivecompositions can be easily transferred to paper to produce beautifulcolor prints. In general, the inventive printing process involves thefollowing steps: (a) drawing on a whiteboard or other non-porous surfaceto generate an image; (b) applying a moistened paper to the image; (c)rubbing the moistened paper to transfer the image from the whiteboard orother non-porous surface to the paper; and (d) removing the paper fromthe whiteboard or other non-porous surface. In this manner, a colorprint on paper is produced from the original drawing.

The drawing on the whiteboard or other non-porous surface may be createdwith the washable coloring compositions of the present inventiondescribed above. Following the drawing of an image on a whiteboard orother non-porous surface, a piece of paper is prepared to which theimage will be transferred. The paper is moistened with water or otherwater-based emulsion or gel such as a lotion such as that marketed underthe name LUBRIDERM. The paper can be moistened in any manner including,but not limited to, using a spray bottle, a damp sponge, a paint rolleror flat spreading blade. Moreover, the amount of water or water basedemulsion or gel added to the paper may be varied to produce differenteffects on the color print. Thus, the paper can be slightly moistened orfully moistened depending on the desired effect. Various paper stockscan be used in the inventive printing process. Paper stocks sold underthe name Cascade-9000 (manufactured by Boise Cascade) produce excellentresults in forming a color print from the whiteboard image.

Optionally, in the event that excessive moisture is added to the paper,the excess water may be removed. Removal may be accomplished, forexample, by using an flat spreading blade such as an automotive puttyspreader or a paper towel to blot dry the paper. Generally, moistureshould be removed from the moistened paper such that there are no"shiny" spots left.

The moistened piece of paper is then placed over the image on thewhiteboard or other non-porous surface. The transfer of the image to thepaper is completed by rubbing over the surface of the paper. The rubbingstep may be accomplished using, for example, the user's hands, a rolleror flat spreader blade such as an automotive putty blade. Preferably, toensure proper transfer of the image, the moistened paper is left on thesurface of the whiteboard or other non-porous surface for at least about30 seconds after being applied. Finally, the paper is removed from thesurface to produce a color print of the original image which has beentransferred to paper.

The quality of the color print produced by the inventive process isaffected by several factors during the transfer process including thelevel of moisture present in the paper, removal of any excess water fromthe paper, and the pressure applied to the paper during the rubbingstep. To produce a clear color print without smearing the image, one ormore of the following adjustments may be made: (1) use less water tomoisten the paper; (2) remove any excess water present on the paper; or(3) apply less pressure during the rubbing phase.

In the event that the inventive process does not produce a completecolor print, the transfer process may be repeated one or more times. Forexample, if there are light spots on the paper where the original imagehas not completely been transferred, then the following steps may befollowed: (a) reapply the paper to the whiteboard or other non-poroussurface bearing the original drawing ensuring registration of the printwith the original drawing; (b) rub the paper surface to transfer theremainder of the original image; and (c) remove the paper from thewhiteboard or other non-porous surface.

The inventive process may be used to transfer an image from anywhiteboard or other non-porous surface to which the coloringcompositions of the present invention are applied. Optionally, a specialwhiteboard with dowel pins along one edge of the whiteboard may be usedon which common three-hole punched paper may be mounted This specialwhiteboard permits registration of three-hole punched paper over theimage in the same position each time and, therefore, is especiallyuseful if the image is not completely transferred to the paper on thefirst attempt. Following the first transfer attempt, the three-holepunched paper with a partial image can be remounted on the dowel pins inregistration with the image such that the portions of the imageremaining on the whiteboard may be transferred to the paper to form thecomplete original drawing.

In another embodiment of the invention, a white board or other sturdybase is constructed with an engaging device such as pegs or othersuitable devices such as engaging slots for engaging and positioning themoistened paper such that the paper is maintained in a stable position.The engaging device may be in the form of one or more pegs extendingfrom a flat surface of the base such that the pegs correspond to holepositions commonly found in paper or to hole positions which may bepunched in the paper using a common hole punch. Common peg positionswould match the typical two or three-hole punch devices typicallycommercially available.

In this embodiment, a piece of paper would be attached to the sturdybase by, for instance, hanging three-hole punched paper on three spacedpegs. A drawing could then be made using the inventive coloringcompositions of the present invention on a non-porous surface of a sheetof material such as paper covered with plastic laminate. The paperhanging on the sturdy base would then be moistened as described above.The original image on the non-porous surface would then be applied tothe moistened paper by trapping the paper between the sturdy base andthe non-porous surface. The reverse side of the non-porous surface isrobbed to transfer the image to the paper. Then, the sheet of materialhaving the non-porous surface is removed leaving the image on the paper.In this case, the sheet of material having the non-porous surface couldalso have three corresponding holes matching the pegs on the sturdy baseto provide repeated registration between the original image on thesecond non-porous surface and the transferred image on the moistenedpaper.

All of the references cited herein, including patents, patentapplications, and publications, are hereby incorporated in theirentireties by reference.

While this invention has been described with an emphasis upon preferredembodiments, it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the artthat variations of the preferred embodiments may be used and that it isintended that the invention may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes allmodifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A washable coloring composition comprising:(a) acolorant comprising a pigment; (b) a dye vehicle; (c) a release agent;and (d) an anionic dyeblocker in an amount sufficient to enhance thefugitivity of said composition from skin and fabric.
 2. The washablecoloring composition according to claim 1, wherein said anionicdyeblocker is an aromatic organic sulfonate.
 3. The washable coloringcomposition according to claim 2, wherein said aromatic organicsulfonate is selected from the group consisting of a sulfonatednaphthalene condensation product, a sulfonated phenol-formaldehydecondensation product, and mixtures thereof.
 4. The washable coloringcomposition according to claim 1, further comprising a film formingresin.
 5. The washable coloring composition according to claim 1,further comprising a polymeric dye.
 6. The washable coloringcompositions according to claim 1, further comprising an acid dye. 7.The washable coloring composition according to claim 1, wherein saidcoloring composition is suitable for use on whiteboards.
 8. The washablecoloring composition according to claim 1, wherein said dye vehicle isselected from the group consisting of water, alcohol, and mixturesthereof.
 9. The washable coloring composition according to claim 8,wherein said dye vehicle comprises from 0% to about 50% alcohol.
 10. Anerasable whiteboard marker ink comprising:(a) a colorant comprising apigment; (b) water; (c) a release agent; and (d) an anionic dyeblockerin an amount sufficient to enhance the fugitivity of said compositionfrom skin and fabric.
 11. The erasable whiteboard marker ink accordingto claim 10, wherein said anionic dyeblocker is an aromatic organicsulfonate.
 12. The erasable whiteboard marker ink according to claim 10,wherein said aromatic organic sulfonate is selected from the groupconsisting of a sulfonated naphthalene condensation product, asulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation product, and mixturesthereof.
 13. The erasable whiteboard marker ink according to claim 10,further comprising a film forming resin.
 14. The erasable whiteboardmarker ink according to claim 10, further comprising a polymeric dye.15. The erasable whiteboard marker ink according to claim 10, furthercomprising an acid dye.
 16. The erasable whiteboard marker ink accordingto claim 10, wherein said film forming resin is present in an amount offrom about 1% to about 10% by weight of active film forming resin insaid composition, said release agent is present in an amount of fromabout 2% to about 30% by weight of said composition, and said anionicdyeblocker is a sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation productpresent in an amount of from about 2% to about 15% by weight of saidcomposition.
 17. A washable dry erase coloring compositioncomprising:(a) one or more colorants selected from the group consistingof a pigment, an acid dye, a polymeric dye, and mixtures thereof; (b) adye vehicle; (c) a release agent; and (d) an anionic dyeblocker in anamount sufficient to enhance the fugitivity of said composition fromskin and fabric.
 18. The washable dry erase coloring compositionaccording to claim 17, wherein said anionic dyeblocker is an aromaticorganic sulfonate.
 19. The washable dry erase coloring compositionaccording to claim 18, wherein said aromatic organic sulfonate isselected from the group consisting of a sulfonated naphthalenecondensation product, a sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensationproduct, and mixtures thereof.
 20. The washable dry erase coloringcomposition according to claim 17, further comprising a film formingresin.
 21. The washable dry erase coloring composition according toclaim 17, wherein said dye vehicle is selected from the group consistingof water, alcohol, and mixtures thereof.
 22. The washable dry erasecoloring composition according to claim 21, wherein said dye vehiclecomprises from 0% to about 50% alcohol.